Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the pay car park at the Spittal of Glenmuick, at the end of the public road up Glen Muick. It crosses the glen to the houses at Allt-na-giubhsaich and follows the track along the north-west shore to Glas-allt-Shiel, the lodge built for Queen Victoria after Prince Albert died. Beyond it a path runs along the water's edge round the head of the loch, past small sandy beaches, then back along the south-east side to a track that leads to the Spittal.
It is 12.7 km (7.9 miles) with 76 m (250 ft) of ascent; allow about 3½ hours. The grade is Moderate, for the distance; the ground is easy.
Broad Cairn rises above the head of the loch. The Falls of the Glasallt, reached by a steep, rough path behind Glas-allt-Shiel, add about an hour. Deer are often seen on the south side in winter, and adders bask on the path in summer.
The whole way is on good tracks and paths. On busy weekends the car park fills and the road up the glen can be closed, so arrive early. The Spittal has a small visitor centre and toilets.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Round Loch Muick on the Balmoral estate, on good tracks and paths
- Glas-allt-Shiel, on the north shore, was built for Queen Victoria after Prince Albert's death
- Small sandy beaches at the head of the loch, below Broad Cairn
- Deer are often seen on the south side in winter
Getting there
Start: Spittal of Glenmuick car park · Pay and display. 56.95225, -3.13610
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Deeside: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
